SAMUEL:

Tax-gatherer and treasurer to King Ferdinand IV. of Castile (1295-1312); born in Andalusia. He was hated by the queen mother D. Maria de Molina because, according to Spanish historians who were friendly toward her, he had become involved in court intrigues, and also because he had encouraged the young king in his prodigality and led him to commit thoughtless acts. One day when in Badajoz, where he was preparing to accompany the king to Seville, he was attacked by an assassin and dangerously wounded, but, owing to the careful nursing and treatment which the king procured for him, his life was saved (1305).